Democratic frontrunner Hillary Clinton was mercilessly grilled Tuesday evening by an MSNBC host over the difference between the ideology of a Democrat and socialist.
“I want to try to help you tonight…locate yourself politically,” Chris Matthews, host of “Hardball,” told Clinton before noting that her chief 2016 rival Bernie Sanders identifies as a socialist.
Matthews then asked, “What’s the difference between a socialist and a Democrat? Is that a question you want to answer, or would you rather not?”
“Well, see you’d have to ask—,” Clinton said before Matthews interjected.
“See, I’m asking you! You’re a Democrat. He’s a socialist. Do you like someone calling you a socialist? I wouldn’t like someone calling me a socialist,” Matthews said.
“Well, you see, I’m not one,” Clinton replied.
Matthews still wasn’t pleased with the answer.
“Well, what’s the difference between a socialist and a Democrat?” he asked. “That’s the question.”
“Well, I can tell you what I am,” Clinton said. “I am a progressive Democrat.”
“How’s that different than a socialist?” Matthews fired back.
Clinton didn’t answer, but only said she’s a Democrat who “likes to get things done.”
This is not the first time that Matthews has presented that particular question to a guest. In July 2015, he asked Democratic National Committee chairwoman Debbie Wasserman-Schultz the same thing. She was also unable to answer.
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